I agree with most of these suggestions, although I'm still on the fence with Alvarez and Baty. I like their catcher combo, and I only see Baty getting better when the clubhouse settles down. The last two you mention- Brazoban and Williams- I'd send off for a subway token. Weaver is the one I'd keep as the ace of the bullpen. Let's get younger but also look to our past for team and organizational leadership. I'd love to see Beltran manage, Iglesias as bench coach and Winker back on the team in some capacity.
Your suggestion that they hold onto Williams but trade Weaver makes no sense to me. If you want to compete in '27, there's no way trading Weaver makes this a better team next year. Same for Alvarez...no way trading him makes the Mets stronger at catcher next year. Can't help but cringe on your two "incredibly"s...I know hyperbole is part and parcel of sports punditry but the next time you're getting ready to write "incredibly", try "very", "especially", or "particularly" instead.
Brazoban is disposable. As to needing a bullpen, they have and can get arms to eat innings the rest of the year. I would keep Weaver. Williams will be hard to get rid of given the contract.
I would add Zach Thornton as a "no trade." He should be added to the mix. He should be considered part of the rotation along with McLean and Scott the rest of the year.
If we even are going to talk about Lindor, and his not being on the "no trade" list is dubious (some behind-the-scenes drama there?), you also have to leave open Bichette going. It might be too soon to give up on that overpriced contract, but let's see the offers.
Alvarez is a tease. Who knows. Give up on him & what? Another "miss" at catcher? They have not had great luck at that position.
Difficult to read a lengthy, predictive/speculative analysis such as this and not find much of anything to disagree with. Well reasoned and communicated.
From the "fine either way" perspective, understand your thinking in the Catcher category, and maybe the "right move" is there for Alverez and the Mets for the next 3-5 years. Never say never, but I worry about screwing with that spot. Look at the world through that kid's eyes for a moment. Came up on the "youngish" side and really worked hard to establish decent credibility with a senior staff. He managed the dish duties well under Buck and held his own offensively.
Then the circus came to town.
That and some truly goofy injuries messed up his physical foundation. Kid became a barrel of adjustments athletically managing a healing body, dealing with a staff that was less stable (being kind) and doing the yo-yo thing between MLB and AAA rehabbing. I'd argue he and Toerrens are the best pair the Mets could hope for at least through next year. After last year's crazy train with coaching changes and with the staff. I'd argue from just a continuity standpoint, leadership should go address everything else and leave the Catcher's room alone..
Two or three years is a fair guess. If you trade him for decent prospects, don't complain if the bullpen is a burning tire next year. If they can get a major league ready first baseman with big potential, that I'd consider.
The cosmic winds of change sweep through Flushing. The Mets have opened the multi-dimensional marketplace. With Soto and McLean anchored to the celestial core, who gets cast into the wilderness? Lindor? Bichette? Williams? The vortex is spinning. Who leaves the matrix next?
I agree with most of these suggestions, although I'm still on the fence with Alvarez and Baty. I like their catcher combo, and I only see Baty getting better when the clubhouse settles down. The last two you mention- Brazoban and Williams- I'd send off for a subway token. Weaver is the one I'd keep as the ace of the bullpen. Let's get younger but also look to our past for team and organizational leadership. I'd love to see Beltran manage, Iglesias as bench coach and Winker back on the team in some capacity.
Your suggestion that they hold onto Williams but trade Weaver makes no sense to me. If you want to compete in '27, there's no way trading Weaver makes this a better team next year. Same for Alvarez...no way trading him makes the Mets stronger at catcher next year. Can't help but cringe on your two "incredibly"s...I know hyperbole is part and parcel of sports punditry but the next time you're getting ready to write "incredibly", try "very", "especially", or "particularly" instead.
Agree completely! Williams can go, but keeping Weaver to close is crucial!
Brazoban is disposable. As to needing a bullpen, they have and can get arms to eat innings the rest of the year. I would keep Weaver. Williams will be hard to get rid of given the contract.
I would add Zach Thornton as a "no trade." He should be added to the mix. He should be considered part of the rotation along with McLean and Scott the rest of the year.
If we even are going to talk about Lindor, and his not being on the "no trade" list is dubious (some behind-the-scenes drama there?), you also have to leave open Bichette going. It might be too soon to give up on that overpriced contract, but let's see the offers.
Alvarez is a tease. Who knows. Give up on him & what? Another "miss" at catcher? They have not had great luck at that position.
Mr. Steele:
Difficult to read a lengthy, predictive/speculative analysis such as this and not find much of anything to disagree with. Well reasoned and communicated.
From the "fine either way" perspective, understand your thinking in the Catcher category, and maybe the "right move" is there for Alverez and the Mets for the next 3-5 years. Never say never, but I worry about screwing with that spot. Look at the world through that kid's eyes for a moment. Came up on the "youngish" side and really worked hard to establish decent credibility with a senior staff. He managed the dish duties well under Buck and held his own offensively.
Then the circus came to town.
That and some truly goofy injuries messed up his physical foundation. Kid became a barrel of adjustments athletically managing a healing body, dealing with a staff that was less stable (being kind) and doing the yo-yo thing between MLB and AAA rehabbing. I'd argue he and Toerrens are the best pair the Mets could hope for at least through next year. After last year's crazy train with coaching changes and with the staff. I'd argue from just a continuity standpoint, leadership should go address everything else and leave the Catcher's room alone..
Steve
What about Polanco? TRADE ! .... if anyone will take him.
Weaver will never be better than now. Question is, how many years will he remain close to this good.
Two or three years is a fair guess. If you trade him for decent prospects, don't complain if the bullpen is a burning tire next year. If they can get a major league ready first baseman with big potential, that I'd consider.
The cosmic winds of change sweep through Flushing. The Mets have opened the multi-dimensional marketplace. With Soto and McLean anchored to the celestial core, who gets cast into the wilderness? Lindor? Bichette? Williams? The vortex is spinning. Who leaves the matrix next?
Adios,Jorge Polanco, for a bucket of batting practice balls and I can't see Williams as a keeper.